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Measure Success Podcast

Business & Economics Podcasts

This is the Measure Success Podcast, which features top leaders on how they measure success in their business and life. We talk with CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and extraordinary high achievers. The host, Carl J. Cox, is the CEO of 40 Strategy. 40 Strategy guides leaders to take their organization to the next level by designing world-class strategic plans and keeping them accountable to get it done. Go to 40strategy.com to learn more. As an entrepreneur and executive, Carl has been with 7 different companies that have grown from 2x to 7x. Carl is the author of Lost at CEO, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Strategy. This book reached #1 Amazon bestseller in 12 separate categories at launch, and a must-read for entrepreneurs and leaders.

Location:

United States

Description:

This is the Measure Success Podcast, which features top leaders on how they measure success in their business and life. We talk with CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and extraordinary high achievers. The host, Carl J. Cox, is the CEO of 40 Strategy. 40 Strategy guides leaders to take their organization to the next level by designing world-class strategic plans and keeping them accountable to get it done. Go to 40strategy.com to learn more. As an entrepreneur and executive, Carl has been with 7 different companies that have grown from 2x to 7x. Carl is the author of Lost at CEO, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Strategy. This book reached #1 Amazon bestseller in 12 separate categories at launch, and a must-read for entrepreneurs and leaders.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Strategic Marketing for Growth with Branden Cobb

5/7/2024
Dive into the world of strategic marketing with our latest podcast episode featuring Branden Cobb, a seasoned marketing expert and fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Hosted by Carl J. Cox, this episode unveils effective strategies that help small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) not just survive but thrive. In This Episode: Learn how Branden has helped SMEs scale and become profitable through targeted marketing strategies. Discover the nuances between working with large corporations and smaller businesses, and why tailored approaches are crucial. Get insights on how to effectively transition from outsourced to in-house marketing to boost profitability. Why Listen? If you're running a business, looking into marketing strategies, or curious about the challenges and solutions for SMEs in today's economy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples. 💬 We'd Love to Hear from You! Join the conversation by leaving a review or comment on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring more great content to you! 📲 Share & Subscribe: Enjoyed the episode? Share it with a friend who might benefit from Branden's marketing insights, and don't forget to subscribe to the Measure Success Podcast for more episodes like this one.

Duration:00:31:09

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Mastering Decision-Making in Uncertainty with Sheldon Bernard

4/30/2024
Join us on this episode of the Measure Success Podcast as we sit down for a 2nd time with Sheldon Bernard, a pioneer in applied decision sciences and the founder of 440 Management. Dive into a riveting discussion on the nuances of decision-making in the face of uncertainty and how cognitive biases influence our choices. Sheldon shares his unique 'DIRECT' framework, providing practical advice for better decision-making in business and life. In This Episode, You'll Discover: How to identify and combat cognitive biases in decision-making. Insights into Sheldon's 'DIRECT' framework for tackling uncertainty. The role of generative AI in redefining business strategies. Practical tips for applying these insights in your daily life and business. Listen and Learn: Uncover the secrets to making smarter, more informed decisions that can steer you and your organization towards success in unpredictable times. Sheldon's expertise will enlighten you on not just how to make decisions, but how to make the right decisions. Tune in now to start mastering the art of decision-making in the ever-uncertain business landscape!

Duration:00:41:17

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Embracing Discomfort: The Secret to Team Growth

4/23/2024
🌟 New Episode Alert: "Embracing Discomfort: The Secret to Team Growth" 🌟 Are you ready to transform your team's dynamic and foster a culture of growth and innovation? Dive into the latest episode of the Measure Success Podcast, where Dane Groeneveld and Carl J. Cox discuss the power of embracing discomfort to propel team development. 🔑 Key Highlights: Understand why discomfort is crucial for personal and business growth. Discover strategies to safely introduce and manage discomfort within your team. Hear real-life success stories of teams turning challenges into triumphs. 🎧 Available now on Libsyn and your favorite podcast platforms. Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights that could redefine the way you approach team leadership and growth! 💬 We value your feedback! After listening, please drop a comment to let us know your thoughts or share your own experiences with embracing challenges. #FutureOfTeamwork #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessGrowth #TeamBuilding #LibsynPodcasts

Duration:00:32:48

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Happiness & Success: Vladimer Botsvadze's Winning Formula

4/16/2024
Join us in a conversation with Vladimer Botsvadze, a titan of digital transformation and a beacon of positivity, on this episode of our podcast. Vladimer shares his unique perspective on how happiness defines success, the power of optimism, and the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people for personal and professional growth. From building a global audience from the ground up to becoming a renowned marketing thought leader, Vladimer’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, positivity, and the power of believing in oneself. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of happiness and positive thinking to transform your life and achieve your dreams. Where to find Vladimer: www.vladimerbotsvadze.com www.linkedin.com/in/vladimerbotsvadze www.instagram.com/vladimerbotsvadze www.facebook.com/vladimerbotsvadze www.twitter.com/vladobotsvadze

Duration:00:31:40

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Unlocking the Secrets to Strategic Growth: A Conversation with Laura Casselman

4/9/2024
Welcome to the next episode of the Measure Success Podcast, where the extraordinary journey of Laura Casselman unfolds. From the dazzling stages of Radio City to the strategic boardrooms as CEO of JVZoo.com and co-founder of Vita Street, Laura shares her unique trajectory to the pinnacle of business leadership. In this episode, Carl J. Cox delves deep with Laura into the essence of strategic planning, affiliate marketing mastery, and the significance of resilient leadership in carving the path to success. Laura, also a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, enlightens us with her revolutionary insights on overcoming industry barriers, championing customer service, and the meticulous balance between personal life and professional ambition. Key Takeaways: Laura's inspiring transition from performing arts to corporate excellence. Strategies for leveraging affiliate marketing to scale your business. The art of strategic planning for sustainable growth. Cultivating a culture of accountability and innovative leadership. Laura's story is not just about career transformation; it's a testament to the power of vision, determination, and strategic action in achieving success. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their business strategy, leadership skills, or searching for the motivation to turn their visions into reality. Don't miss out on this episode filled with actionable insights and the inspiring journey of a woman who rewrote the rules to master the game of business success. 🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired as you embark on your journey to success with the Measure Success Podcast. Subscribe and stay tuned for more episodes that bring you closer to your goals. #MeasureSuccessPodcast #LauraCasselman #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #SuccessJourney #Entrepreneurship #AffiliateMarketing

Duration:00:34:56

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Tech & AI Insights with Lubo Smid: From STRV to Arnold Schwarzenegger

4/2/2024
In this latest episode of the Measure Success Podcast, host Carl J. Cox welcomes Lubo Smid, Co-Founder and CEO of STRV, a leading software design and engineering powerhouse. Lubo takes us on a journey through the corridors of technology, revealing how STRV has been at the forefront of building digital products for prestigious clients including Tinder, Porsche, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lubo delves into the essence of technology and entrepreneurship, sharing his passion for cutting-edge advancements, particularly in the realm of Web 3.0 and AI. With insights from being recognized in the Forbes Under 30 list, he discusses the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in transforming business strategies, marketing, and even legal documentation processes, offering a glimpse into the future of tech-driven solutions. Listeners will gain invaluable knowledge on: STRV's approach to creating impactful digital products and fostering innovation. Leveraging AI for competitive advantage in business and beyond. Strategies for startups to achieve breakthroughs in a saturated market. The significance of aligning product development with strategic marketing for viral success. Lubo's personal philosophy on achieving balance between professional success and personal well-being, underscored by his commitment to mental and physical health. Furthermore, Lubo shares the excitement of working on projects for icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger and the nuances of tech partnerships that scale from ambitious startups to global giants. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the power of innovation to shape the future. Discover more about STRV and Lubo Smid's pioneering work at STRV Website and follow us on Apple Podcasts for more episodes that inspire success through strategy and innovation.

Duration:00:35:22

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Unleashing Potential & Embracing Uncomfortable Growth with Rising Star James Brackin IV

3/26/2024
We're thrilled to announce that the latest episode of the Measure Success Podcast is now available! This week, we sit down with the rising star James Brackin IV, a trailblazer in personal coaching and the voice behind the top 1% podcast. James shares his journey of personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and the secrets to finding and unlocking one’s potential. He is our youngest guest ever and his passion to make a difference is unparalleled. In this episode, you’ll discover: How James transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. Strategies for overcoming procrastination and tapping into your true potential. The significance of investing in yourself and living each day with purpose. James's approach to coaching and insights from his podcasting experience. Why listen? Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, someone seeking personal development, or just in need of a motivational boost, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to guide you on your path to success. Don't forget to subscribe to the Measure Success Podcast Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to your success!

Duration:00:32:18

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Overcoming Bias to Maximize Success with Applied Decision Sciences

3/19/2024
🎧 New Episode Alert: Maximizing Strategic Decisions & Success: Expert Insights on Decision Science & Leadership In this must-listen episode of our podcast, we dive deep with Sheldon Bernard, a trailblazer in applied decision sciences. Sheldon shares insights on confronting complex issues, such as bias, by pioneering the DIRECT framework, and making better decisions under uncertainty. 🔍 What You'll Discover: The essence of decision science and its multidisciplinary approach. How biases influence decision-making and strategies to overcome them. The DIRECT framework: A step-by-step guide to making informed decisions. Real-world applications of decision science in business and personal contexts. Sheldon's expertise combines years of leading special projects for Fortune 100 executives with a practical, approachable method to navigate the often-murky waters of decision-making. Whether you're a business leader, a strategist, or simply looking to improve your decision-making skills, this episode offers valuable lessons. 💡 Key Takeaways: Understanding your biases is the first step to making better decisions. The importance of framing your decisions correctly. How to identify and evaluate your options effectively. Sheldon's unique approach to teaching decision science principles for immediate application. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities with insights from one of the field's most forward-thinking experts. 🎙️ Listen Now! Available on Libsyn and your favorite podcast platforms. #DecisionScience #Leadership #Strategy #BusinessInsights #SheldonBernard #PodcastEpisode Website: https://40strategy.com/

Duration:00:30:22

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Brothers in Business: Scaling Success Together

3/12/2024
🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of the Measure Success Podcast, featuring the journey of Elliot & Dom Chapman! In this engaging episode, we see entrepreneurship through the eyes of two brothers who have turned their challenges into their greatest successes. Discover how Elliot and Dom navigated the ups and downs of building businesses, from the early struggles with lead generation to masterfully executing successful exits and investments. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the unique bond of brotherhood in the face of business hurdles. 💡 Episode Highlights: Insights into transitioning from tactical operations to strategic growth The significance of personal habits for maintaining high performance The impactful role of podcasting in sharing their narrative and connecting with others on a personal level 👥 Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business veteran, or simply someone looking for a dose of inspiration and practical advice, this episode is for you! Don't miss out on this heartfelt and insightful conversation. Listen now and get ready to be inspired to scale new heights in your own journey! #MeasureSuccessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #ChapmanBrothers #ApplePodcasts #PodcastingSuccess

Duration:00:31:58

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Conscious Design: Merging Sustainability & Innovation

3/5/2024
Explore the intersection of design and sustainability on the Measure Success Podcast, featuring consulting expert and author Ian Peterman. Host Carl J. Cox, sponsored by 40 Strategy, present a conversation about Conscious Design with Ian, a veteran in product development. Learn how Ian's firm merges design with sustainability to bring innovative products to market, making a positive global impact. This episode not only explored into Ian's 15 years of experience but also his contributions to the field through his book, The Conscious Design book, public speaking, including a pending presentation to the U.S. Senate. A must-listen for those passionate about the future of design and its role in environmental sustainability.

Duration:00:34:39

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Leadership Unveiled: Beating Burnout and Building Trust

2/27/2024
Listen to our newest podcast episode featuring leadership expert Jimmy Burroughes, where we explore effective strategies to combat burnout and foster high-performance teams. Learn from Jimmy's extensive experience and insights on building trust, strategic planning, and maintaining well-being in the workplace. This episode offers valuable advice for leaders seeking to inspire their teams and create a sustainable high-achievement environment. Key Topics Covered: Balancing high performance with mental health Building and maintaining trust within teams Strategic planning to prevent burnout Discover actionable tips and deepen your understanding of leadership and team dynamics. Tune in to transform your approach to leadership and team success.

Duration:00:38:27

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🌟 Elevating Business Valuation with the Measure Success Podcast 🌟

2/20/2024
Welcome to the Measure Success Podcast, today we share how to boost your business valuation beyond the conventional metrics. In a market driven by EBITDA and industry multiples, we explore how savvy entrepreneurs can significantly influence their company’s worth by strategically managing risks. What We Cover: Understanding the Multiple: Learn how the industry multiple affects your business valuation and how you can alter this critical figure in your favor. Risk Reduction Strategies: Discover 40 transformative strategies that reduce risk, enhance value, and make your business an irresistible prospect for investors. Automation & Delegation: Find out how systemizing your operations and diversifying responsibilities can shift your business from high-risk to high value. Investor Mindset: Shift from an owner to an investor’s perspective, focusing on efficiency, process improvement, and strategic growth to prepare your business for a lucrative sale. Real Success Stories: Hear from entrepreneurs who've successfully increased their business valuation, learning from their experiences and insights. Join Us: Whether you're contemplating selling your business, seeking investment, or simply aiming to increase its value, the Measure Success Podcast provides the blueprint for success. With expert interviews, case studies, and actionable strategies, we're here to guide you through the complexities of valuation, one episode at a time. Subscribe now to transform your business into a high-value investment and start acting like the savvy investor you were meant to be.

Duration:00:16:50

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How to Be in the Top 10% of Leaders Who Reach Their Goals

2/13/2024
In the latest episode of the Measure Success Podcast, host Carl J. Cox reveals startling statistics: up to 90% of businesses fall short of completing even two-thirds of their strategic objectives. This significant shortfall indicates a vast majority of CEOs and entrepreneurs are failing to meet their most ambitious goals, resulting in an accumulation of unachieved strategic plans. However, Carl J. Cox, the CEO and founder of 40 Strategy, assures listeners that this grim statistic need not apply to them. With a wealth of experience from leading seven organizations to exponential growth across four continents, Cox is more than qualified to guide aspiring leaders out of this rut. The Measure Success Podcast, known for its insightful take on business strategies and growth, introduces Cox not just as a host but as a guest in this special solo episode. Cox, whose vision for 40 Strategy aims to impact over 1 million people and 10,000 organizations while donating at least $1 million to charity, shares invaluable principles that promise to transform strategic objectives into actionable and realistic plans. Listeners can expect a deep dive into why strategic planning often fails and how to counteract these common pitfalls. Cox draws parallels between strategic planning and seemingly unrelated concepts, such as the decision to purchase a Peloton bike, to illustrate his points vividly. Additionally, he debunks the myth of success being merely about "being in the right place at the right time," using Amazon’s early days as a case study for strategic foresight and execution. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice, including: The story behind the name and mission of 40 Strategy. Common misconceptions about strategic planning and how to overcome them. The significance of distinguishing between leading and lagging indicators in business. Applying Fortune 500 growth strategies to small and medium-sized businesses. Utilizing the Pareto principle to prioritize goals and achieve significant outcomes. The benefits of engaging a third-party to critique and enhance strategic plans. A step-by-step guide to conducting the "dot exercise" for effective strategic planning. Identifying and addressing the three major barriers to business growth and success. By the end of this episode, Carl J. Cox aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to join the elite 10% of leaders who not only set ambitious goals but achieve them. Tune into the Measure Success Podcast for an episode filled with actionable strategies that promise to elevate your strategic planning and propel your business toward unprecedented growth. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Measure Success Podcast for more episodes that offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of business strategy and leadership. With Carl J. Cox at the helm, achieving your business goals has never been more attainable. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Buy a copy of “Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy” by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:16:59

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How to Build Confidence to Achieve Leadership Goals

2/6/2024
In This Episode: CEOs and entrepreneurs may appear confident, but the reality is that confidence can be elusive and challenging to nurture. In this episode, our guest, Nicole Kalil, an expert in leadership development, discusses strategies for leaders to enhance their confidence and achieve their strategic objectives. Nicole Kalil is a renowned speaker, author of "Validation is For Parking," a leadership strategist, respect coach, and the host of the "This is Woman’s Work Podcast." Having transitioned from the C-suite at a Fortune 100 company, she has empowered countless women in business and gained valuable insights into the structural, systemic, and social challenges facing women and leaders within organizations. Listen to the full conversation to discover how to build and maintain confidence as a business leader, tackle "head trash," implement the rule of three for life and business, and gain more insights. Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn: 1. Nicole's career transition from the finance industry and the C-suite to entrepreneurship. 2. The significance of building self-trust and Nicole's "obsession" with confidence. 3. Nicole's 3-step process for developing confidence. 4. Embracing imperfection as a parent and insights into Nicole's book. 5. "A-ha" moments from Nicole's book that have impacted readers. 6. Understanding and overcoming "head trash." 7. The interplay of perfectionism, head trash, and comparison in undermining confidence. 8. Gender differences in confidence across the lifespan. 9. Nicole's "rule of three" for prioritizing business and life. 10. The importance of "business planning" in Nicole's marriage and family life. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Nicole Kalil's Website Connect with Nicole Kalil on LinkedIn Follow Nicole Kalil on Instagram Listen to This is Woman’s Work Podcast Get a copy of "Validation is For Parking: How Women Can Beat the Confidence Con" by Nicole Kalil Explore "This Sh*t Works: A No-Nonsense Guide to Networking Your Way to More Friends, More Adventures, and More Success" by Julie Brown Buy a copy of "Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy" by Carl J. Cox Learn more about 40 Strategy Connect with Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn Don't miss this insightful conversation on building leadership confidence with Nicole Kalil. Tune in now!

Duration:00:35:48

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Let Go, Elevate Your Business - Brad Koehn's Expert Insights

1/30/2024
In This Episode: As a highly successful CEO or entrepreneur, your journey has been marked by hard work, exceptional skills, and the creation of your business from the ground up. However, as your business evolves or undergoes changes in ownership, relinquishing control can be a daunting challenge. In this episode, we explore how loosening your grip on your business may be precisely what it needs. Our featured guest, Brad Koehn, boasts three decades of experience in IT Consulting, with a background in software engineering, leadership, and executive coaching. Today, he operates a solo practice catering to the unique needs of small business owners, specializing in helping them navigate the complexities of growth, acquisition, and divestiture. Brad's guidance empowers his clients to make their businesses more profitable, easier to manage, and more valuable when they consider selling. Tune in to the full episode to gain insights into how Brad coaches business leaders to overcome fear and uncertainty, the significance of having a future vision, common pitfalls hindering strategy execution, preparing businesses for sale, fostering leadership development, and more. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: Exploring the similarities and differences between Carl and Brad's approaches to assisting small to medium-sized business owners. Identifying the true stumbling blocks for business owners, often not related to technical challenges. Uncovering the major hurdles companies face when executing their strategies and visions. Typical challenges business owners encounter when preparing to sell their businesses. The downstream effects of neglecting leadership development within an organization. Embracing the idea of hiring individuals smarter than oneself and overcoming the associated fears. Brad's personal journey of managing emotions through flying airplanes and imparting these lessons to CEOs and entrepreneurs. Insights into the "4 R's" that help CEOs identify and manage behaviors hindering their goals. Brad's approach to helping business owners discover their identity beyond their company. Measuring success in Brad's business and for his clients. Exploring Brad's personal habits for maintaining peak performance. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Koehn Consulting Website Brad Koehn on LinkedIn Book: "Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth" by Richard Boyatzis, Melvin L. Smith, and Ellen Van Oosten Buy a copy of "Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy" by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:29:58

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Strategic planning in government: Lessons from a city manager

1/23/2024
In This Episode: While strategic planning certainly plays a huge role in the business world, a version of strategic planning also drives our local, state, and federal government. We usually just don’t notice it, because we can’t see behind the scenes. But there are still important lessons that entrepreneurs can learn from those who have worked in the public sector. Our guest this week is someone who has plenty to teach. Andy Takata has worked as a city manager and has over 21 years of experience with three full-service cities and two contract cities. He’s worked in economic development, planning, recreation, development, and municipal-operated water, wastewater, and electrical utilities. Tune into the full conversation for more on some of the differences in effective strategic planning for the private sector vs the public sector, how to avoid getting distracted by “shiny objects” when you already have a set plan (plus the potential benefits of noticing those shiny objects), Andy’s experience officiating water polo at the Olympics, and a lot more. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: What Andy does now, and why he came out of retirement in order to do it The two main forms of local government and the differences in how cities are run How long it takes to complete projects at the governmental level, and why these processes can sometimes take a long time How to deal with differences in political ideologies when crafting and executing long-term strategic plans for cities and communities The differences in how success is measured in the public sector vs in the private sector How Andy got involved with water polo, and how he worked his way up to eventually refereeing at the Olympics How Andy has built effective habits in his life and how those habits enabled him to keep a balance in his life despite being involved in so many things The difference between being “busy” and “busy strategically” How Andy has been able to avoid shiny object syndrome in his work, and the advice he would give to others to not get distracted by things that won’t move you forward One surprising observation that Andy had about the world-class athletes at the Olympics (and the ones who didn’t make the cut) How Andy measures success in his personal life — and how that might shift as he prepares to head into his second retirement Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The city of DuPont, Washington Andy Takata on LinkedIn “If it Ain’t Broke…Break It!: And Other Unconventional Wisdom for a Changing Business World” by Robert J. Kriegel and Louis Palter “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins “For the Love of Cities” by Peter Kageyama “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey Buy a copy of “Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy” by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:34:00

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How to experience transformation through writing a book

1/16/2024
In This Episode: Authors — and business owners — write books for all kinds of reasons. They want to build an audience, earn money, share their expertise, attract leads, or maybe even try to become famous. But one of the most important things that happen during the book-writing process is the *internal* transformation. And that’s what our guest this week is an expert at leading people through. Dr. Kent Gustavson is a prize-winning writer, entrepreneur, and musician, who has published hundreds of books and worked with thousands of authors on achieving their goals. Tune into the full conversation for more about the ghostwriting process, what makes a good ghostwriter (and why they should be similar to therapists), the benefit of writing with a small audience in mind, the big mistake that many first-time authors make, and a lot more. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: More about Kent’s ghostwriting business, and how he and his team do it differently than the typical way The difference between what Kent does vs “coaching” Why Kent compares ghostwriters and editors to both therapists and strategists What “chronic curiosity” means — and why it’s important to be “savage” with ghostwriting clients The biggest surprises that Kent’s clients experience after working with a ghostwriter, and why transformation is such an important part of the process Why all books should be written for a small audience, and why Kent cautions against authors writing their “magnum opus” Why 99.9% of people shouldn’t be focusing on “tribe building” when they write a book Why Kent’s definition of measuring success involves “taking layers of varnish off” The differences between perceived success and real success The important habits Kent has integrated into his life, including those that are possible thanks to his home in Europe Why Kent sees “everything as music” (and improvisation) Some book recommendations from Kent Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Kent Gustavson’s website Dr. Kent Gustavson on LinkedIn Thought Leader Press website “Angela’s Ashes:A Memoir” by Frank McCourt “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams Buy a copy of “Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy” by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:33:21

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Testing your limits, with former ski champion and Olympic team member, Wendy Fisher

1/9/2024
In This Episode: When we think of pushing ourselves — in business, sports, or just life — many of us aim to be the very best at what we do. But sometimes pushing yourself can actually mean *leaving* that top spot — and setting off on a completely new journey. And that’s exactly what our guest this week did in her accomplished athletic career. Wendy Fisher was a member of the U.S. National Ski Team and earned a spot on the 1992 Winter Olympic team in Albertville, France. She transitioned into big mountain skiing, becoming a two-time World Extreme Skiing Champion and one of the top skiers in the world. Listen to the full episode for more about Wendy’s journey (from the U.S. National Ski Team, to quitting skiing, to a completely new branch of the sport), how she got through tragedy in her life, the habits she’s kept in her life, what she’s working on now, and a lot more. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: More about Wendy’s journey from childhood skiing to the U.S. National Team Why Wendy had a different goal every day when she woke up other than “make the Olympic team” — and how that helped her perform better Some of the challenges Wendy experienced in the U.S. National Team atmosphere, including isolation and an eating disorder What led Wendy to eventually quitting the national team Some of the tragedies and challenges that precipitated Wendy’s “never to ski again” road trip How Wendy got her start in her next sport, including a situation where onlookers told her, “We’ve never seen a girl do that.” How Wendy finally started to recover from the grief over the death of her brother, as well as an eating disorder Some of the lessons Wendy learned from her own experiences that she now shares with younger people, including other skiers Why Wendy needed to “pull her head out of her ass” and let go of what could have been, especially after she had her two sons Some of the habits Wendy has kept in her life, even after her competitive athletic career — and what it took for her to let go of some of the guilt of not being successful at something Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Wendy’s website Wendy Fisher on Instagram Wendy Fisher on Twitter “Open: An Autobiography” by Andre Agassi “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael A. Singer “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle “Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns and the Future of Chasing Snow” by Heather Hansman Buy a copy of “Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy” by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:43:08

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Bouncing back from rock bottom, with retired NFL player, Marques Ogden

1/2/2024
In the span of just a couple of years, Marques Ogden went from being an NFL offensive lineman — to part-time custodian, getting other people’s trash spilled on his clothes as he worked for $8.25 an hour. And while most people can’t relate to playing football at the highest level like our guest this week did, everyone can learn from his valiant comeback — from bankrupt and working part-time, to an inspirational public speaker. After spending five years in the NFL as an offensive lineman, Marques retired from the league. At 27, he founded a construction company called Kayden Premier Enterprises, which eventually went bankrupt in 2010. During his darkest hours, Marques pulled himself together, got a part-time job as a custodian, and with hard work and determination became an inspirational keynote speaker, executive coach, best-selling author, and marketing leader. Tune into the full conversation for more on Marques’ NFL career, what he calls his “spoiled milk” moment that helped him turn his life around, how he managed to get out of survival mode, what surprised him most about life in the NFL, and a lot more. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: How Marques got through one of the hardest times of his life — losing his company in 2013 — and how he bounced back from everything he went through trying to keep it afloat More about Marques’ time in “survival mode” — including getting fired twice in a week, working as a custodian and birthday cloud, and eventually how he turned everything around The grant that helped keep Marques from being homeless, and how he built upon that building block for even greater success The thing that surprised Marques the most during his NFL career A breakdown of Marques’ regular schedule when he was in the NFL, including the invisible hours outside of game time that fans don’t usually see Why Marques tells all athletes that their sport cannot be their “long-term” career Why an NFL line of scrimmage is an “absolute war zone” More about Marques’ rock-bottom moment from his time working as a custodian — plus the realization he had afterwards that changed his life The “4 V’s” that Marques teaches his coaching clients, in order to get to the fifth V — “victory” How Marques measures success in his business and life Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Marquesogden.com Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast “The Success Cycle: 3 Keys for Achieving Your Goals in Business and Life” by Marques Ogden “Sleepless Nights: The NFL: A Business and Family” by Marques Ogden “The Breakthrough Code: A Story About Living a Life Without Limits” by Tom McCarthy Buy a copy of “Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy” by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:38:29

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Bouncing back from rock bottom, with retired NFL player, Marques Ogden

1/2/2024
In This Episode: In the span of just a couple of years, Marques Ogden went from being an NFL offensive lineman — to part-time custodian, getting other people’s trash spilled on his clothes as he worked for $8.25 an hour. And while most people can’t relate to playing football at the highest level like our guest this week did, everyone can learn from his valiant comeback — from bankrupt and working part-time, to an inspirational public speaker. After spending five years in the NFL as an offensive lineman, Marques retired from the league. At 27, he founded a construction company called Kayden Premier Enterprises, which eventually went bankrupt in 2010. During his darkest hours, Marques pulled himself together, got a part-time job as a custodian, and with hard work and determination became an inspirational keynote speaker, executive coach, best-selling author, and marketing leader. Tune into the full conversation for more on Marques’ NFL career, what he calls his “spoiled milk” moment that helped him turn his life around, how he managed to get out of survival mode, what surprised him most about life in the NFL, and a lot more. Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn: How Marques got through one of the hardest times of his life — losing his company in 2013 — and how he bounced back from everything he went through trying to keep it afloat More about Marques’ time in “survival mode” — including getting fired twice in a week, working as a custodian and birthday cloud, and eventually how he turned everything around The grant that helped keep Marques from being homeless, and how he built upon that building block for even greater success The thing that surprised Marques the most during his NFL career A breakdown of Marques’ regular schedule when he was in the NFL, including the invisible hours outside of game time that fans don’t usually see Why Marques tells all athletes that their sport cannot be their “long-term” career Why an NFL line of scrimmage is an “absolute war zone” More about Marques’ rock-bottom moment from his time working as a custodian — plus the realization he had afterwards that changed his life The “4 V’s” that Marques teaches his coaching clients, in order to get to the fifth V — “victory” How Marques measures success in his business and life Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Marquesogden.com Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast “The Success Cycle: 3 Keys for Achieving Your Goals in Business and Life” by Marques Ogden “Sleepless Nights: The NFL: A Business and Family” by Marques Ogden “The Breakthrough Code: A Story About Living a Life Without Limits” by Tom McCarthy Buy a copy of “Lost at CEO: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Strategy” by Carl J. Cox 40 Strategy Contact 40 Strategy Carl J. Cox on LinkedIn

Duration:00:36:36